A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Cannabis and Cannabinoids indicates that medicinal cannabis may greatly improved behaviour problems and daily care in severely demented patients.

Around 5 out of 6 patients with dementia develop behavioural and psychological symptoms, which can greatly impact quality of life for the patients and their carers. Psychotropic medications are often used to treat these symptoms, but the majority of patients see little effect and experience negative side effects.

This study, conducted in Geneva, Switzerland, included ten patients with dementia experiencing severe behavioural problems. They were treated with three THC/CBD formulations, with increasing levels of THC.

Over the span of two months, behavioural indications decreased by 40%, and rigidity by 50%. Half of the patients decreased or stopped other psychotropic medications. Not only did this improve the quality of life of the patients, but staff at the aged care centre indicated these results made daily care and transfers easier, improved direct contact, improved behaviour, and decreased side effects of opioids such as constipation.

While this was a small study, it indicates that results of larger studies, such as MGC Pharma and UNDA’s Phase IIb currently ongoing, may show significant results.

Blaise Bratter is the Chief Contributor to CannabisIntel. Being involved in the Australian cannabis industry since legalisation in 2016, he is now Operations Manager for ASX listed company MGC Pharmaceuticals.